Online Web Development Degrees

Before enrolling in a web development program, it is important to know exactly what you’ll be getting into. To aid in the research process, the following guide discusses web development degree programs and courses to help prospective students choose a path that’s right for them.

While some disciplines require — and are better suited for — traditional classroom settings, web development lends itself quite nicely to online learning. With the ever-increasing influence of the web on consumer behavior, learning about web development online seems somewhat natural. Furthermore, with technology continuing to advance and the expansion of course management systems, the tools that enable online and hybrid learning, interacting with peers and professors has become more effortless. Online education platforms such as Blackboard, Moodle and eCollege as well as communication tools such as Skype, Adobe Connect and Google Hangouts allow online students and professors to discuss classwork, share notes and work on web development projects together regardless of where a person resides.

STUDENT PROFILE #1

Chloe never thought of herself as a web programmer, but was always impressed whenever she came across a sophisticated, multimedia-rich website. She decided to take a couple introductory courses, which motivated her to complete a two-year degree program in web development.

ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREES IN WEB DEVELOPMENT (2 YEARS)

An online associate degree in web development is a basic introduction and provides a solid foundation in the field. Most two-year programs include general studies courses such as mathematics, social science and communications as well as core classes to introduce students to the world of web development. While exact courses and required credits vary by school and area of concentration, the table below is intended to give you an idea of the concepts you’re likely to learn during a two-year online degree program in web development:

First Semester (Freshman)

Credits

Overview

Literacy and Critical Thinking

3

An introduction to reading and writing critically, understanding argumentation and context

Discrete Math for Information Technology

3

This branch of math is specific to the fields of Computer Science and Information Technology. It includes topics such as set theory, logic, relations, graphic theory and analysis of algorithms

Introduction to web design, electronic publishing and multimedia development

Second Semester (Freshman)

Credits

Overview

Website Development Foundations

3

Introduction to essential website development skills. Learn how to write code manually and to use graphical user interface tools

IS Security Concepts

3

Overview of information systems security, including governmental views, positions and processes of national security, contingency and business resumption planning and invasive actions and prevention measures

Internet Business Concepts

3

Overview of the IT skills and technologies used in business and various IT job roles

Introduction to the development tools and techniques used to publish web pages

Technical Writing Fundamentals

3

Overview of strategies, techniques and best practices of written communication in business and the information technologies

Elements of Economics

3

For non-econ majors. Focuses on basic economic analysis, the market system and basic macroeconomic theory

Java Programming I

3

Overview of the basics of Java programming language in the context of business applications development

Fourth Semester (Sophomore)

Credits

Overview

Introduction to Web Page Construction

2

Covers the fundamental concepts for web page construction using HTML and CSS

Application Implementation

3

Overview of the process and issues associated with implementing a computer application information system as well as related testing procedures

Introduction To Operating Systems

3

A look at a variety of operating systems. Topics include operating system concepts, program execution and operating system internals

Fundamentals of Networking

3

Overview of basic telecommunications and networking technologies essential to the industry and the broader field of telecommunications

General Elective

3

An optional class for students

STUDENT PROFILE #2

Samantha went to college for a bachelor’s degree in web development. By her sophomore year, she realized she was interested in digital commerce and decided to pursue her passion by doing an ecommerce internship during her junior year. After graduating, she was offered a web development job for an ecommerce company in Seattle.

ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN WEB DEVELOPMENT (4 YEARS)

Students looking for a more comprehensive understanding of web development than a two-year degree can opt to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree online. Coursework is more advanced and covers topics such as program languages, UX design, interface usability and how to leverage applications and data in order to create compelling online user experiences. During your third and fourth year of a bachelor’s degree in web development, you’re likely to take the following coursework:

Fifth Semester (Junior)

Credits

Overview

Human Computer Interaction

4

This course helps students understand the user’s point of view and technology’s effect on people in order to design and implement technology in an effective way

Web Commercialization

3

Web design and development in the context of website commercialization. Topics include strategy and e-commerce planning, online supply chain management, marketing strategies and search engine optimization

Principles of Programming

4

Programming principles for students with at least some programming background. Students will design, code, test, debug, and document programs in a relevant programming language

This course offers a more advanced and focused application of graphic design so that students can learn to effectively communicate ideas and information to businesses and audiences

Web Information Systems Programming

4

Students learn two- and three-tier architectures, security and web frameworks. Students will use a server-based scripting language to design, code, test, debug and document programs

Web Design and Implementation

4

Offers a look at concepts, issues and techniques related to designing, development and deploying websites. Students will learn HTML, XHTML, basic JavaScript, Dynamic HTML and CSS and will develop sites manually and using website development software.

General Elective

3

An optional class for students.

Seventh Semester (Senior)

Credits

Overview

Technical Communication

4

Prepares students for technical communication demands specific to computer and information systems. Topics include technical research methods, critical analysis of technical documents, synthesis of data, creation of accurate technical documents and effective delivery of technical material

Marketing

4

General course in marketing theory and methods

Technical Elective(Based on Specialty)

4

A technical elective that allows the student to learn a skill or explore an interest in the technical field but not necessarily aligned with the major.

General Elective

3

An optional class for students.

General Elective

3

An optional class for students.

Eighth Semester (Senior)

Credits

Overview

Web Animation Techniques

4

Overview of the basics of designing 2 and 2 ½ dimension animations for websites using industry standard software tools

Capstone project that combines all the material learned during required courses for the web development major

STUDENT PROFILE #3

After earning his master’s degree in web design and development, Jordon was able to combine his passion for web programming and creative design to land a job as the lead web developer at a major tech company in Silicon Valley.

ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES IN WEB DEVELOPMENT

An online master’s degree in web development typically takes about two years and is designed to equip students with expert programming and project management skills. Students gain mastery of web design and development, interface design and usability, and web scripting and databases in order to thrive in the IT field.

Advanced degree programs tend to vary by school. Before enrolling in any program or course talk to an academic advisor to choose a path that best fits your academic and career goals.

There is no standard curriculum for a master’s degree in web development. However, the table below lists examples of some potential core courses for graduate students:

Master’s Program Core Courses

Overview

Industry Structures and Concepts

An overview of the information and Communications Technology industry. Students are exposed to the different types of businesses, technologies, products and services that shape the industry today as well as the developments that will influence the industry of tomorrow

Students learn how to integrate technology in a way that effectively supports business goals

Python Programming

Introduction to fundamental Python concepts and the Python scripting environment

Principles of Project Management

Students learn the practical skills of project management as well as various elements of the project management processes, tools and techniques

Application Security

Examination of the security principles and practices that apply to application software development throughout the entire software development lifecycle

Website Design and Management

In-depth review of best practices in information architecture and how to incorporate a user-centered design

Web Enabled Information Systems

A review of modern design and programming principles, database design and object-oriented principles. The class aims to address concerns regarding web applications, exploitation of technology and retention of data integrity

Principles of Cryptography

An overview of the terminology and concepts needed to understand how cryptographic techniques are used to protect sensitive information

Capstone Project

Students research a topic, problem or issue within field of study and works with an advisor to synthesize and apply core concepts learned from the program